#AtriumWSF15 Quaid Day/Christmas Celebrations – A Pakistani Winterlude to Remember

Packed with unbridled excitement and bringing the best of joy to the crowd, Team Atrium Mall celebrated Jinnah Day and Christmas with great fervor on December 25, 2015 in Karachi.

Followed by the grand fashion extravaganza, the #ColorsOfWinter Fashion Show being held earlier on December 19, 2015, the following event added more shades to the season’s celebrations while offering something for everyone at the venue.

Starting off with an exhilarating parade featuring a band of drummers, the celebrations became an instant hit amongst the audience who were delighted to see the performance.

The musical parade was then followed by the cake cutting ceremony and fireworks to mark Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary.

[#InstaEvent] #AtriumWSF15 - #Jinnah 's #birthday #celebrations at #AtriumMall #QuaidDay #QuaideAzam #JinnahDay #BirthdayCake #WinterEvening #Shopping #Festival #Fun #Entertainment #WeekendMade #KarachiEvents #Karachi #Lategram #PickOfTheDay #TheSocialKaleidoscope

A photo posted by Sarah Rahmaan (@the_social_kaleidoscope) on Dec 27, 2015 at 2:19am PST

While the crowd cheered and chanted enthusiastically, we anxiously waited for the most exclusive part of the birthday celebrations to begin, which was none other than the final reveal of Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait (on 35ft x 15ft canvas) called #LifeOfJinnah being made by Pakistan’s well-known graffiti artist, Sanki King.

Portrait of Quaid-E-Azam revealed at Atrium Mall. #AtriumMall #AtriumWSF15 #LifeOfJinnah #igers #Karachi #BloggerLife #bloggers #pakistani #christmas #FatherOfNation #Birthday

A video posted by Faraz Ahmed (@fadsterj) on Dec 25, 2015 at 6:25am PST

A huge round of applause filled the entire hall as soon as the stupendous portrait was revealed and we are pretty sure that everyone liked it since nobody left that place without taking a picture or a selfie with it!

#Selfie with #SankiKing at #AtriumMall with his #QuaideAzam #graffiti behind us #AtriumWSF15 #HappyBirthdayJinnah pic.twitter.com/8tuCqKAhqP

— Faraz Ahmed (@fadsterj) December 25, 2015

While the final reveal had already captivated the crowd with its creativity, the other element that added more excitement to the festival was the Christmas celebrations. Atrium Mall had set up a fully-decorated activity area where one could spot the ever-amusing and vivacious VJ Godil engaging the audience in various games and giving away gifts like the generous Santa! *smiles*

And who wouldn’t love to have presents on Christmas, right?

While we weren’t able to make our way through the huge crowd and get our share of candies, we decided to walk around the shopping mall where we spotted some amazing discounts at many of the leading stores including Levi’s, Amir Adnan, Cambridge, Essence De Paris, etc. (The discounts and deals are expected to continue till January as a part of ongoing Winter Shopping Festival).


                                       

The exciting trip to the winter wonderland came to an end with a quick meet-up with VJ Godil (who I would love to call as Santa Godil now) and lots of wonderful memories to cherish for a long time.

Tis' a season to be jolly fa la la la la!

#AtriumWSF15 Fashion Show – Adding #ColorsOfWinter to the Fashion Solstice

When coldest winter draweth near,
Turn we to joy and make good cheer.

—     Caitlin Matthews

Decem-Burr’s here! And it’s that time of the year when not only the weather or the length of the day changes but so do the fashion and clothing designs, which ultimately calls for some winter shopping! Although, winters in Karachi last hardly for a few weeks, the racks and shelves at shopping malls are usually found to be packed with winter clothing, blazers, sweaters, boots, etc for the fashion frenzy Karachiites. From household names and budding designers to the leading couturiers, every brand or individual comes up with an exclusive Winter Wear collection for the shopaholics. However, the real trick lies in finding out the best ones!

So, how do you do it when it comes to winter shopping? Attend a Winter Fashion Show, may be? J

Bringing several leading brands together on one ramp, Atrium Mall in collaboration with Kolachi Events organized the #ColorsOfWinter fashion show on December 19, 2015 in Karachi. Featuring a diversified range of winter apparel, the fashion show not only helped in revealing the latest trends but it turned out to be an absolute blast for the audience.


                                     

Hosted by the ever-stunning VJ Ahmed Godil, the show was graced by a number of renowned celebrities and socialites including Nadia Hussain, Abbas Jafri, Farhan Ahmed Malhi, Omer Shahzad, and Neelum Munir while the gorgeous models sashaying down the fashion runway included Sidra Sajid, Asif Rehman, Omer Yousuf, Amir Awan, Rameez Awan, Saima Haroon, Mahi Baloch, Sherjeel Ahmed and many more.

The event showcased popular brands including StoneAge, Royal Tag, Nathan’s Wear, Bonanza, Oxford, Diner’s, Change, Zeen by Cambridge, Bangkok City, Bali’s Shoes, Malash and Maaz Jee.

Here’s a quick look at a few of them . . . . . straight off the ramp!

Collection by StoneAge

Collection by Nathan's Wear

Collection by Royal Tag

Collection by Oxford

Collection by Diner's

Collection by Maaz Jee

Collection by Malash

Collection by Malash

Collection by Malash

Collection by Oxford

Collection by Bonanza

                                             

Collection by Malash

                                             

Want to see more pictures? Head over to my Instagram account @The_Social_Kaleidoscope or follow the #AtriumWSF15 hashtag  to get the inside scoop! I promise that you won’t be disappointed! ;)

Until next, Stay Trendy! J  

#AaRahaHaiX – A Twitter Tale of Pure Curiosity!

So, here’s a story that occurred this past Monday evening while I was taking a stroll through the ever-evolving and engaging world of hashtags and retweets. While browsing and navigating my way through the nooks and crannies of the Tweetosphere, I saw #AaRahaHaiX as one of the trending topics and Lo! It just caught my attention right there. After all, it’s an X that always creates curiosity, isn’t it? *winks*

What added more to this unshaken curiosity was the picture featuring mesmerizingly lovely Nargis Fakhri pursing her lips into a Ssshh gesture, thus making it more captivating for the tweeples who couldn't help themselves from coming up with what you call as “the wild guesses.”

#AaRahaHaiX - Can't figure out what is it exactly. Smart phone? New service by @Mobilink? New 3G package? Come on. Tell us already!!!

— Sadiya Azhar (@SadiyaAzhar) December 15, 2015

Dinner date with Nargis Fakhri? #AaRahaHaiX pic.twitter.com/y4YB3zQcXx

— Fatima Malik (@FammaMalik) December 14, 2015

@SadiyaAzhar @Mobilink may be but I think it would be some new #3G packages #AaRahaHaiX

— Muhammad Abid Ayub (@Abidseo) December 14, 2015

However, all thanks to this tweet being posted by Mr. Aamir Ibrahim that helped us find one of the pieces of this enticing maze revolving around X. The tweet helped us know that #AaRahaHaiX has something to do with Mobilink, and something exciting is about to be revealed in the coming days.

Stay tuned for the most exciting telecom news of 2015 .. #aaRahaHaiX

— Aamir Ibrahim (@aamir_ibrahim01) December 14, 2015

In the quickly changing world of hashtags and tweets where events keep on unfolding in seconds, it isn’t easy for a certain hashtag to stand out from the rest, make it to the trending list and remain there for long. However, #AaRahaHaiX kept the entire Twitterati wondering for quite long, thus remaining on trend for several hours.

And #AaRahaHaiX trending in #Karachi on TOP :) pic.twitter.com/PwcvF04bzz

— FurorePK (@furorepk) December 14, 2015

Pakistan trends at 21:17: #PTIUturnNewsChannel, #AaRahaHaiX, Shujaat Azeem, #JahangirTareenVsNawazSharif, #ProtectOurAssets

— Trends in Pakistan (@PakTrendStats) December 14, 2015

Agreeing to what one of the Tweeples (@Quaid_Official) had posted, now we all do know that #AaRahaHaiX and its presence can be sensed somewhere around the corner but what exactly is it going to be, still remains a mystery. And as mentioned earlier, there have been plenty of wild guesses but tweets mentioning X to be a series of smartphones/android phones appear to be the most logical of all.

Good news for the technology addicted people because #AaRahaHaiX with exciting feature & smartphones in market.

— FurorePK (@furorepk) December 14, 2015

#AaRahaHaiX might bring new mobile phones to the market in afforadble prices @Mobilink

— Bilal Sulehri (@sulehri) December 15, 2015

X will be a leading innovator of mobile technology; I myself want to own one. #AaRahaHaiX

— Snober Alan Abbasi (@snobers) December 14, 2015

While the curtain still needs to be raised, all I can say is

#AaRahaHaiX & We Are Just Too Curious!!!

                                                                                                                                                      

School of Tomorrow (#SOT15) – What’s in it For You?

With 40 years of excellence in education in Pakistan, Beaconhouse is all set to organize a one-of-its-kind educational and cultural festival on the 28^th and 29^th of November at Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi. Initiated as an endeavor to shed light on the current status of education in the country and to redefine it, the School of Tomorrow (SOT) Conference is one of the very first International Education and Cultural Festival in Pakistan. 

Spanning across a period of two days, the event will be graced by some of the distinguished experts and renowned thinkers in Pakistan and from various parts of the globe who will be delivering a series of essays and presentations on a wide variety of topics.

Be it an understanding of a child’s psychology or an issue revolving around digital safety and concerns, a story about massive cultural invasion or an in-depth study about arts, it is the broad spectrum of  topics being chosen that has piqued my interest in attending this conference. 

    See:  List of Sessions & Activities at #SOT15on Day 1

             List of Sessions & Activities at #SOT15on Day 2

The School of Tomorrow (SOT) conference is a free-of-cost public event allowing accessibility to all and sundry; however, registration is compulsory for attending all the exclusive sessions at #SOT15. 

Here’s the link to its online registration form. 

Over all these years, Beaconhouse has not only been excelling in providing productive and meaningful education to children but it has also remained conscious of its role as a socially aware organization and has supported the community and contributed generously in times of national crisis through various activities and organizing the School of Tomorrow (SOT) conference comes under the same umbrella. 

In case you would like to find out more about School of tomorrow, check out their Facebook page or their website: http://www.schooloftomorrow.beaconhouse.net

Come forward and be a part of the Educational Evolution as Beaconhouse takes the lead through #SOT15.

Until next, see ya! Happy Reading, Peeps! :)

        

Mobilink 3G Takes a Lead with #TheFasterTheBetter Services

Living in a fast-paced world where speed and convenience have become increasingly important in our various walks of life, the quintessential need for high-speed and super connectivity has also arisen. In today’s technology-driven world revolving around smartphones and tablets, we always feel the need to be inter-connected throughout the day and being separated from the device or being out of connection even for a minute is just a crippling thought! And this reminds me of my tour to Gaddani once where the cellular signals just went off all of a sudden except for the Mobilink network that worked, thus saving me from the brunt of an anticipated wrath.

It was since then that Mobilink became my most preferred choice amongst the cellular connections and the news revealing Mobilink as Pakistan’s best 3G network provider (as declared by PTA) did not come as a surprise. Because it was as true as a fact already!

Pakistan's Best 3G NetworkWe’re proud to announce that PTA has declared Mobilink to be Pakistan's Best 3G Network. Thank you for your constant support and trust throughout our journey of 20 years. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Posted by Mobilink on Monday, November 2, 2015

When it comes to an effective and reliable cellular connection, it’s not just the extensive reach or stable connectivity that counts. With cellular phones turning into more than just phones running on the Internet, a lot depends upon the speed of connectivity that truly defines one’s experience in the digital/mobile world. This is where Mobilink 3G network has taken a lead by bringing #TheFasterTheBetter services for its consumers and conquering #HarDilHarDin (being validated by the following tweets) as it continues its digital journey:

Digital is not a medium but an ecosystem. @Mobilink is perhaps the only telco that enriches our lives in the digital #TheFasterTheBetter

— MJ ™ (@MunawarJamal) November 9, 2015

We're facing coverage issues in a central area of #Karachi & I was on ufone, I switched to @Mobilink & now life's good! #TheFasterTheBetter

— Faiza Yousuf (@FaizaYousuf) November 9, 2015

A few months back, we could not even make seamless VoIP calls through mobile internet. Now we have video calls! #TheFasterTheBetter

— Bilal Sulehri (@sulehri) November 9, 2015

That one extra sim that we keep b/c network is awesome & that it is reliable whn others are not! That's @Mobilink for me #TheFasterTheBetter

— Aisha (@HariMirchein) November 9, 2015

I'm glad if other networks work for you. I am happy and content with @Mobilink's 3G. Been using Mobilink since 2007. =) #TheFasterTheBetter

— Sesh♡ (@Oh_My_Mascara) November 9, 2015

Introducing a variety of digital solutions, it looks like Mobilink shall be spearheading the Digital Revolution in Pakistan eventually giving rise to a digital society where everything would just be a few taps away! An interview being conducted by ProPakistani.pk with Deputy CEO of Mobilink, Mr. Aamir Ibrahim also reveals about the future prospects leading to a digital revolution in the country, which includes and is not limited to the development of store-front applications, payment gateways and other services necessary for the fulfillment of all sorts of digital needs.  

“The road from developing to developed treads on a digital highway,” says Aamir Ibrahim and it certainly holds true for the ever-evolving technological world experiencing digitalization or a digital shift. Digitalization is the need of the hour. And as Mobilink takes on the digital challenge, let me leave you with a video depicting Mobilink’s road to digitalization in Pakistan:

Mobilink to Lead Digital Revolution in Pakistan“After being in conventional telecom business for over 20 years in the country, we are now all geared up to reshape the digital revolution in Pakistan by capitalizing on our market position through innovating new solutions that we aim to offer to Pakistanis during the next 5 years.” Aamir Ibrahim, Deputy CEO and CCO - MobilinkRead the full story here: http://goo.gl/qEfmO0
Posted by Mobilink on Thursday, November 5, 2015

What do you think about the video, Mobilinkers? Sounds interesting? Let me know #TheFasterTheBetter! ;)

Cheetos’ #FlaminHotToss – Let the #Cricket Begin!

The game of cricket always begins with a toss and with each coin toss comes immense curiosity for the cricket enthusiasts if which team is going to bat or field first. However, it was not just about deciding the fate of the game this time. It was a little different. And a lot interesting indeed!

As I watched the first ODI begin with a coin toss between Pakistan and England today, it was something about the flip that caught my attention. I could see that the coin being tossed was branded by none other than one of our flavory favorites, the Cheetos! And this was “something out-of-the-box!”

The branded coin toss activity by Cheetos serves as an excellent example of positive brand exposure and marketing beyond advertisements on screen. In the world of marketing campaigns, #CheetosCoinToss emerged as a creative attempt at reinforcing the brand’s essence successfully through the #FlaminHotToss on ground, thus combining the elements of fun and sport together. And what a brilliant idea it was!

Photo Source: The News Tribe

From Kung Fu to Cricket, Cheetos has always been finding ways to entertain us and I wonder what’s next in its course of exciting journey! Until next, Eat, Pray & Love and

Let the Games Begin! J

Swarovski Hosts #SparklingCouture Exhibition in Dubai

Photo Source: Swarovski Crystals

[Press Release] – Swarovski, the global leader in cut crystal and fashion jewelry, hosts the first ever #SparklingCouture exhibition, celebrating the brand’s long-standing relationship with couture designers, as well as its 120^th year of operation.

Over forty regional and international designers will exhibit custom-made pieces at the exhibition being held at The Madinat Arena in Dubai on November 4^th. More than 36 couturiers and 6 Jewelry & Accessory labels from across the Middle East and South Asia will come together in the first event of its kind –each showcasing one specially-designed creation at the event.  

The event will showcase Pakistani couturiers including Elan, Maria B, Faraz Manan and Tena Durrani, all presenting a contemporary take on Ethnic Bridal wear.

Visitors to #SparklingCouture will experience exquisite couture pieces made with Swarovski crystals including intricate bridal, occasion and ethnic wear pieces comprising of kaftans, evening gowns, accessories and jewelry.

“Sparkling Couture is a celebration of the incredible couturiers we have in the Middle East and South Asia,” said Flemming Nielsen, Vice President Operations, Asia South, “Our region is renowned for its love of customization, embellishments and, of course, bespoke couture. Bringing together these designers on one platform perfectly demonstrates the diversity of our couturiers and also offers a platform to celebrate our 120^th anniversary in a one-of-a-kind interpretation.”

Swarovski has had a presence in the Middle East since the 1970s, and since then has established itself fully in the burgeoning arts and design scene by collaborating with local fashion designers, architects, distributors, and local craft clusters that use Swarovski crystals in their unique work across the region.

“We are proud to be the partner of choice for many of the most talented designers across the region and internationally. The Sparkling Couture exhibition will bring to life how these talented artists create such wonderful pieces, using the finest crystals, forward integrated products and pearls from Swarovski,” added Andrew Mojica, Managing Director, Swarovski Middle East.

  

Sparkling Couture takes place on November 4^th at The Madinat Arena from 

20:30 hrs - 00.00 hrs.

For more information on Sparkling Couture and on Swarovski in the Middle East, you can follow them at Swarovski Crystal Blog. 

The #AsalFoodie Show – Grand Finale!

Photo Source: 7Up Pakistan

Living in times where our TV screens are constantly being bombarded with a myriad of how-to cooking shows, The #AsalFoodie Show by 7Up Pakistan came as a wind of change introducing the concept of food tourism while bringing food, travel and entertainment together at the same time.

Spanning across a collection of four episodes, The #AsalFoodie Show is being hosted by our all-time favorites, Anoushey Ashraf and VJ Shahzad who take us out on a virtual tour on screen every weekend as they travel to a new city in each episode while searching for nation’s best local culinary delights. Throughout their action packed journey, they are also joined by various food-loving celebrities who get to share their inherent passion for food like never before.

Here’s a quick look at the teaser revealing what the show is all about:

Asal Foodies Show - TeaserCatch Anoushey Ashraf and VJ Shahzad in an exciting new TV Show. In each episode, we will explore Pakistan's most famous food spots and that too with your favorite celebrities!Watch the Asal Foodies Show every SATURDAY on your favourite channels:Show Timings:Aaj News - 6:30 pmDunya News - 5:00 pmUrdu 1 - 11:00 pmATV - 11:00 pmPTV Home - 11:00 pmTV One – 4:00 pmGeo Entertainment - 11:30 pmGeo Kahani - 11:00 pm
Posted by 7Up on Friday, October 2, 2015

A unique TV program showcasing some exciting food adventures, The #AsalFoodie Show’s itinerary started off with the chic and charming actress, Sarwat Gilani featured in its first episode where they went exploring the food outlets at Port Grand. 

First stop - Karachi! Watch as our favourite foodies Anoushey Ashraf, Sarwat Gillani and Shehzad explore Karachi's Port Grand! #AsalFoodies
Posted by 7Up on Sunday, October 4, 2015

This was later followed by all-enthusiastic Ali Safina being featured in Multan and a true epicurean, Ali Hamza in Lahore as he treated Anoushey Ashraf and VJ Shahzad to various appetizing Lahori cuisines including the famous Paya Nashta at his very own home.

The Foodies Show - Episode 3Watch as Ali Hamza from Noori takes us around LAHORE! In this episode of 'The Asal Foodies Show', we explore some of his favorite food spots. #ManaLoFoodKaLove #AsalFoodies nooriWatch the Asal Foodies Show every SATURDAY on your favourite channels:Show Timings:Aaj News - 6:30 pmDunya News - 5:00 pmUrdu 1 - 11:00 pmATV - 11:00 pmPTV Home - 11:00 pmTV One – 4:00 pmGeo Entertainment - 11:30 pmGeo Kahani - 11:00 pm
Posted by 7Up on Tuesday, October 20, 2015

With each new episode being aired, the journey only gets more exciting for the food lovers who are no longer only interested in learning new recipes but they are also interested in knowing the food choices of our celebrities. And guess what? This week it’s going to be none other than the multi-talented Uzair Jaswal bringing this exciting show to a grand close!

The grand finale is to be shot in the beautiful city of Islamabad and will be highlighting some incredible food in the twin cities. So, if you haven’t watched this fantastic food series already, you know what you need to do. Grab some popcorns, hit the couch and #ManaLoFoodKaLove this weekend with the amazing trio including the young heartthrob, Uzair Jaswal as they travel and explore people, places and cuisines in the capital!

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow, peeps! And for your reference, following are the show timings:

Show Timings
AAJ News	6:30 pm
Dunya News	5:00 pm
Urdu 1	11:00 pm
ATV	11:00 pm
PTV Home	11:00 pm
TV One	4:00 pm
GEO Entertainment	11:30 pm
GEO Kahani	11:00 pm

Until next, Bon Appetite! J